Long-Term Experience of Bereaved Parents in Pediatric Oncology: a Retrospective Study from 2 to 18 Years after a Child's Death from

Aim: This retrospective and cross-sectional study aims to understand the long-term experience of bereaved parents in pediatric oncology and gender differences in parental bereavement. Procedure: A multisectional questionnaire co-constructed with clinicians and bereavement specialists was held online in 2018 and 2019. The survey participants were parents whose child had died in the hematology-oncology department of the CHU Sainte-Justine 2 to 18 years before. Specific sections on reactions, changes, and memories were used for descriptive analyses. Results: Responses from 48 parents were analyzed. The results indicate that mothers tend to modify some of their social activities, while fathers seek to regain their habits. The initially strong reactions of the parents diminish over time without disappearing, more specifically sadness and sleep disturbances. Parents have soothing memories of the interactions and care received from clinical and community workers even several years after the death of their child. Conclusion: The offer of a long-term community and professional psychosocial support is relevant, as is the adaptation of resources and activities to meet the needs of couples and the individual needs of parents according to gender.